King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 32:29 Mean?

2 Chronicles 32:29 in the King James Version says “Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.”

2 Chronicles 32:29 · KJV

Context

27

And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels; pleasant: Heb. instruments of desire

28

Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.

29

Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.

30

This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.

31

Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. ambassadors: Heb. interpreters

Read 2 Chronicles 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God's deliverance of the faithful; pride's danger even after blessing. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְעָרִים֙1 of 14

“him cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

עָ֣שָׂה2 of 14

“Moreover he provided”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ל֔וֹ3 of 14
H0
וּמִקְנֵה4 of 14

“and possessions”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

צֹ֥אן5 of 14

“of flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבָקָ֖ר6 of 14

“and herds”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

לָרֹ֑ב7 of 14

“in abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

כִּ֤י8 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָֽתַן9 of 14

“had given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לוֹ֙10 of 14
H0
אֱלֹהִ֔ים11 of 14

“for God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

רְכ֖וּשׁ12 of 14

“him substance”

H7399

property (as gathered)

רַ֥ב13 of 14

“much”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מְאֹֽד׃14 of 14

“very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 32:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 32:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 29:12Job 1:91 Chronicles 27:29-31Genesis 13:2-61 Samuel 2:7Deuteronomy 8:18

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